California English + Biovista Campus with PGAL | San Diego Restaurant Photography

As a San Diego restaurant photographer, there is nothing I love more than working on projects involving some sort of ambiance. Whether it be moody or airy, restaurants always provide a distinct atmosphere that makes a shoot even more fun.

For my most recent project with longtime architecture client, PGAL, we wanted to showcase a gorgeous new restaurant that hosts the delicious meals of celebrity chef Richard Blais. The goal of this shoot was to capture both the daytime and nighttime vibe, along with the beauty of the property. We both agree this project turned out fantastic!

How I Planned This Restaurant Photography Shoot

The two most important things for me to consider when working on a restaurant photography shot: being quick and staying out of the way. I really love to shoot a restaurant before, during, and after an evening dinner session, but it comes with challenges. 

While many photographers find this type of environment daunting, as a San Diego restaurant photographer with years of experience, I’ve fallen in love with the fast-paced world of food service. 

For this specific project, I pre decided which spaces I would capture, then did a quick walk through and placed myself in potential angles to get a feel for what would be best. After a feel of the ambiance, I was thrilled to get the shoot started! 

Working With The Property Details Beforehand

Before I set the majority of my attention to the restaurant, I wanted to make sure to highlight all the amenities available on the Biovista property. 

The conference rooms were created with extreme taste in mind. No matter how many shots I took, the chandeliers had to be incorporated. They elevated the entire space to feel both welcoming and sophisticated.

As for a more unique amenity, the yoga facility ended up being one of my favorite spots. The fun and eye-catching wallpaper made for the most interesting shots.

Capturing The Restaurant In Daylight

The restaurant felt exciting in daylight, as if the space itself was excited for the night ahead. I took a lot of this time to capture the details present throughout the space with the brighter light available.

As a restaurant photographer, it’s important to me that a piece as small as a spoon be captured because I know how much planning goes into choosing each piece. When it comes to these more intimate pieces, I like to shoot closer up with either a straight-on or downward angle to mimic how a guest would see something when they sit down. I know I’m not the only one who has a soft spot for the little details!

Highlighting The Restaurant At Night

While you hear the phrase of something “coming alive” at night, being in the California English after sunset proves it’s the truth! The restaurant was buzzing with laughter, whispers, and an all-around sense of joy to be dining all together. I absolutely loved it.

To capture this ambiance as best as I could, I took a step back and let the space do the talking. I opted for as wide of an angle as I could, keeping my camera straight on and still. The place itself did the rest and the end result was fantastic!

Haley’s Pro Tip: Sometimes less is more. Letting a space speak for itself really helps tell the story of what is happening at that very moment you choose to click the camera. 

Showcasing The Property Exterior

This may have been one of the most breathtaking photography shoots I’ve ever been a part of. BioVista is an incredibly lush property on its own, but combined with the architecture of the California English, it was a photographer’s paradise!

The patio area was absolutely stunning and took up a lot of my time to make sure the angles were just right. I liked them best slightly off center, creating a more accurate view of all the space available. This space seemed to come alive even more at night, but the shots at dusk were my absolute favorite. 

It was such a pleasure to photograph California English and the Biovista campus. If you’re interested in photographing your next San Diego restaurant photography project, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the form below to inquire about upcoming availability.